Georgia, a stunning destination at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, attracts thousands of travelers every year. Whether you are visiting the historic streets of Tbilisi, the Black Sea coastline of Batumi, or the breathtaking mountains of Kazbegi, an unexpected flight cancellation can turn your journey into a nightmare.
If your flight from or to Georgia was cancelled, don’t panic. You may be entitled to financial compensation, and there are several steps you can take to minimize disruption to your plans.
Under EU Regulation EC261, if you were flying with a European airline or departing from the EU to Georgia and your flight was cancelled last-minute (less than 14 days before departure), you could be entitled to up to €600 in compensation. Here’s what you need to check:
Was your flight operated by an EU airline? (E.g., Lufthansa, Air France, Wizz Air, etc.)
Was your flight departing from an EU country?
Was the cancellation due to reasons within the airline’s control? (Technical issues, staff strikes, operational failures)
If your answer is yes, you can file a claim.
A cancelled flight doesn’t mean your travel plans have to be ruined. Here’s what you can do:
If you’re flying from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and your flight is cancelled, check flights from Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) or Batumi International Airport (BUS). Low-cost carriers like Wizz Air frequently operate flights from Kutaisi.
If you were flying from Batumi, consider taking a domestic flight or train to Tbilisi to catch another connection.
Use flight comparison websites or airline apps to check for alternative flights with available seats.
Rebooking: Airlines are obligated to offer an alternative flight. If no options are available the same day, ask about flights departing the next day or from a nearby airport.
Refund: If you no longer wish to travel, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket.
Kutaisi to Tbilisi: Buses and taxis are available, with a travel time of about 3-4 hours.
Batumi to Tbilisi: Take a scenic train ride that takes approximately 5 hours.
Internal flights: Some airlines operate short domestic flights that can get you to an alternative departure airport faster.
Depending on your flight distance, here’s what you can claim:
Flights under 1,500 km: €250
Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: €400
Flights over 3,500 km: €600
For example:
A flight from Tbilisi to Paris (3,426 km) = €400 compensation
A flight from Tbilisi to London (3,646 km) = €600 compensation
Airlines often deny compensation claims by citing extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, political unrest, security threats). However, not all reasons qualify as valid excuses. If you believe your claim was unfairly rejected:
Gather evidence: Keep your boarding pass, cancellation notice, and any communication from the airline.
Use an online claim service: Trouble Flight specializes in helping passengers get compensation. We handle the legal process for you, and you only pay if we win your case.
Submit a formal complaint: If the airline refuses to cooperate, escalate your claim to the relevant aviation authority.
If your flight was cancelled and you had to book a hotel, pay for meals, or arrange alternative transport, the airline must reimburse you for these expenses. Keep all receipts and submit them to the airline.
While cancellations are sometimes unavoidable, here are a few tips to reduce the risk of disruption:
Book early morning flights: These are less likely to be affected by delays or cancellations.
Avoid connecting flights with tight layovers: Choose connections with a buffer time in case of disruptions.
Check the airline’s track record: Some airlines have a history of frequent cancellations, so research before booking.
Consider travel insurance: Some policies cover flight cancellations and offer additional compensation.
Flight cancellations in Georgia can be frustrating, but they don’t have to leave you stranded. If your flight was cancelled, you could be owed up to €600 in compensation. Check your eligibility and file your claim with Trouble Flight today!
Don’t let airlines keep what’s rightfully yours—start your claim now and get the compensation you deserve!